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Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz Jr. made his first podium of the season last weekend by finishing in third place at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
Sainz finished behind Red Bull teammates Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
While he was enjoying his time in Italy the following day, Sainz found himself in quite the situation outside of his hotel in Milan. According to the Italian news outlet la Repubblica, Sainz was approached by a group of thieves.
During the confrontation, the thieves took Sainz’s Richard Millie watch off of his wrist and took off running. The watch was valued at $323,970.
Sainz and his bodyguard took off after the thieves, and with the help of some locals who were also on the street, they were able to corner the thieves until the police showed up.
So you're telling me that Carlos Sainz defend himself on and off the track?? That's a king behavior 🤝🏻pic.twitter.com/7CNLelor0m
— Ece 🏎 (@c2alltheway) September 3, 2023
Thinking an F1 driver wouldn’t catch up to you is definitely a tactical error.
After the botched robbery, Sainz’s watch was returned to him. Once the dust settled, the Ferrari driver took to social media to comment on the situation.
“As many of you already know, yesterday we experienced an unfortunate experience in Milano,” Sainz wrote, via Bro Bible. “The most important thing is that we are all OK and this will only remain as an unpleasant anecdote.
“Many thanks to all the people who helped us yesterday, to the Milan police for their quick intervention and thanks for all your messages.”
Up next on the Formula 1 calendar is the Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on Sunday, September 17.
The race will be aired live on ESPN beginning at 8:00 a.m. ET.